Portugal vs Sweden: Predicted lineup, injury news, head-to-head, telecast

Published at :March 19, 2024 at 2:18 PM

Modified at :March 19, 2024 at 2:18 PM

Roberto Martínez’s side have the perfect opportunity to get ready for Euro 2024

In 2023, Portugal demonstrated perfection, triumphing in all 10 of their qualifying matches for the European Championships. While the caliber of opponents may not have been the most challenging, they made the most of the opportunities presented.

This stellar performance served as a crucial momentum builder leading into the tournament year. Portugal faces an intriguing group in Euro 2024, squaring off against the Czech Republic, Turkey, and one of Georgia, Luxembourg, Greece, or Kazakhstan.

Unfortunately, Sweden will not feature in any summer tournaments as they fell short of qualifying for Euro 2024. Despite being placed in a challenging group, expectations were higher for Sweden, who amassed only 10 points. Their victories predominantly came against Azerbaijan and Estonia, with a notable 3-0 defeat to Azerbaijan tarnishing their campaign.

Kick-off:

Friday, 22 March 2024 at 8:45 PM BST (1:15 AM IST)

Location: Estadio D. Afonso Henriques

Form

Portugal (in all competitions): W-W-W-W-W

Sweden (in all competitions): W-L-L-W-W

Players to watch out

Bruno Fernandes (Portugal)

Bruno Fernandes showcased excellent form throughout the qualifying phase, concluding the campaign as the leading assister with 8 assists. Portugal secured the top spot in their qualifying group, achieving a national team record of 10 consecutive wins.

He contributed in Manchester United’s extra time win against Liverpool in the FA Cup. He is a dynamic box-to-box playmaker known for his direct style and energy, adept at both challenging defenders and dictating the pace of the game.

Dejan Kulusevski (Sweden)

Dejan Kulusevski, the in-form star of Tottenham Hotspur, has demonstrated his unwavering performance not only at the club level but also with his national team.

With three goals/assists in five qualifying matches, Kulusevski tried to drove his team forward but Sweden failed to qualify for the tournament this summer. He has showcased his skills as an attacking midfielder, a box-to-box midfielder, a winger on both sides of the pitch, and even as an offensive-minded central midfielder.

Match facts:

Portugal conceded in just one of their 10 games in 2023.
Sweden have only won one of their previous five meetings against Portugal.
Portugal have won their last 10 matches.

Injury and team news

This week, Portugal will be without Renato Sanches, Joao Mario, Diogo Jota, Ricardo Horta, and Pedro Neto, all sidelined due to injuries. Cristiano Ronaldo will also be rested by Roberto Martinez and will return for the next fixture. He is added to the roster of players, including Diogo Dalot, Joao Cancelo, Danilo Pereira, Otavio, Ruben Neves, Vitinha, and Joao Felix, who have been given a rest for the friendly match.

Meanwhile, prominent players like Filip Helander, Ken Sema, Martin Olsson, Jesper Karlstrom, Kristoffer Olsson, Marcus Rohden, Isaac Kiese Thelin, Viktor Claesson, Robin Quaison, and Jesper Karlsson were omitted from the latest Sweden squad, due to poor form and injury.

Head to Head

Total matches – 20

Portugal wins – 7

Sweden wins – 7

Draws – 6

Predicted lineup for Portugal vs Sweden

Portugal predicted lineup:

Costa; Guerreiro, Dias, Inacio, Semedo; Palhinha, Fernandes, Nunes; Leao, Ramos, Silva

Sweden predicted lineup:

Olsen; Lindelof, Augustinsson, Krafth, Helander; Ekdal, Forsberg, Svanberg, Kulusevski; Isak, Gyokeres

Match prediction for Portugal vs Sweden:

Having initially struggled, Portugal have now established dominance in their encounters against Sweden. They emerged victorious both at home and away during the 2020 UEFA Nations League matches and have emerged triumphant in four out of the last five meetings between the two teams.

Prediction: Portugal 3-0 Sweden

Telecast

India – SonyLiv, Sony Sports Network

UK – Viaplay Sports

US – Fox Sports

Nigeria – Supersport

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